Filipina5 go winless in World Cup after 5-1 loss to Argentina in final Group A clash

The Philippines’ first-ever run on the global futsal stage came to an emotional close on Thursday night, not in triumph but in defiance, as the Filipina5 battled world No. 6 Argentina before falling, 5–1, at the PhilSports Arena.

The scoreline belonged to the powerhouse visitors, but the moment of the night — the one that shook 2,811 fans to their feet — belonged to the hosts.

It arrived in the 28th minute, when Isabella Bandoja broke free and hammered in a goal that ignited the crowd and denied Argentina a shutout. It was the Philippines’ first and only strike of the tournament, but in a campaign defined by grit, it felt like a reward earned through pure refusal to fold.

“We did very well,” Bandoja said after the match. “Siyempre last game, binuhos na namin lahat, dugo’t pawis namin na tinrabaho simula nung trainings.”

If Argentina’s early goals — including three in a frantic seven-minute burst — were enough to secure their sweep of Group A, the Filipinas refused to let the scoreboard define them. Before Bandoja’s breakthrough, Inday Tolentin nearly opened the floodgates with a 24th-minute strike that clanged off the right post, while Bella Flanigan also came close. 

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SALAMAT SA LABAN, FILIPINA5

The Filipina5 showed heart and refused to go scoreless in their final game against Argentina at the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025, 1-5. #Filipina5 #FutsalWWC pic.twitter.com/JXi1wwrtYY

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) November 27, 2025

On the other end, goalkeeper Samantha Hughes anchored the fight for as long as she could, standing tall under Argentina’s relentless pressure. 

After Argentina scored their first five goals in the first seven minutes of the match, they were held scoreless by the Filipina5 defense throughout the remainder of the game. 

“We all just played our heart even until the last minute in order to represent the country and make our country proud. We fought ‘til the end and I’m extremely proud,” Hughes said.

Argentina cruised through the eliminations with nine points, powered by goals from Lara Villalba (2nd), Mailen Romero (4th, 7th), Luciana Natta (4th), and Agostina Chiesa (7th). Morocco took second with six points, Poland settled for third with three, while the Philippines finished fourth but with a historic World Cup debut under its belt.

Though winless after losses to Poland (6–0), Morocco (3–2), and Argentina, the Filipina5 leave the tournament having earned something less tangible but equally meaningful — a fanbase that roared with them through every moment of resistance.

As Argentina and Morocco advance to the quarterfinals on Monday, the Philippines now shifts focus to its next mission: the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, where the lessons and scars of this World Cup are expected to fuel a stronger, hardened national squad.

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